The Endless Inspiration of Steve Reich's Phasing Technique

In this video I explore the roots of a technique at the core of 20th century minimal music, phasing. Steve Reich discovered that he could get a vast of amount of almost kanon-like variations on a theme using two tape loops. Due to tiny fluctuations in tape playback speed, an identical phrase played back on two machine at the same time will drift apart. This results in a mesmerizing effect where sounds blend and play off each other. You will see me attempt it first live on stage at Chamber Remix Cologne, re-working the music of Hindol Deb, then in a controlled studio environment.

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00:00 Intro and Background
00:57 Live Concert Prep
03:53 Concert
05:56 Post Mortem
07:18 Studio Phasing Prep
08:17 PHASING
12:16 Final Thoughts

[karolisprekeris]

Came here for the phasing, stayed for the sweaters

[WokeUpScreaming]

I often do this on a guitar when I've got more than one looper in the chain and it is the most hypnotic thing ever.

[Brumata]

Probably my favorite technique. Whether it is with loopers or sequencers, it is endlessly entertaining.

[ProbstRobert]

Mein Vater hat als Tonmeister mit diesen Maschinen gearbeitet und es war als Kind immer so mystisch. Du bringst die Mystik und Kindheitserinnerungen zurück. Danke! 😃

[GrumIsMe]

I'm a simple audio nerd - I see a thumbnail with a couple of vintage Nagras, and I click.

[LudovicCoullet]

Like Steve Reich, you came out to show them !

[synthxperiments]

I love Steve Reich, a lot of his works are really mesmerising! In the digital world it's easy to achieve his results, but seeing you working like in the 60s is so inspiring!

[duncanparsons]

Magnificent <3

I saw Steve Reich and Musicians at London's Festival Hall in 1992. They played Drumming Part 1, Electric Counterpoint, Piano Phase, and Different Trains (performed by Kronos Quartet). Lovely evening. Piano Phase was astonishing - the cancellations that came from the two Steinways created all these altered harmonics bouncing around the reverberant space so sometimes one heard flute like timbres.

I love that you got this working!

[chbuschmann]

I fell in love with Reich with his "Music for 18 Musicians" way back in 2004 <3

[robford]

Really well done Mr Hainbach and well explained . I think the harmonic overtones of saxophone sounds will add an interesting dimension.

[loopinnerthe]

Tubular Bells just comes straight to mind. Mike Oldfield must have drawn from many places and you have shone a light on this. Echoes of Steve Reich in your studio, you lucky man.

Hainbach this is absolutely beautiful. The track is beautiful, the process is beautiful.

[yfrontsguy]

I, like you, was completely mesmerised the first time I heard 'music for 18 musicians', 'clapping music' etc.
I've been to many of his concerts over the years & each time it is truly magical
The sitar loops gave a soupy effect that reminds me of Gavin Bryars 'The Sinking of the Titanic', another work that just sends me into bliss

[RegebroRepairs]

Testing a new technique live? Well, can't fault your bravery.

[Pichuscute]

Absolutely love Steve Reich's style of composing. Done it a handful of times myself and loved the result every time.

[SynthuxAcademy]

Fantastic seeing this now. Perfect timing as we’re developing a dual looper in the community, and one of the core inspiration sources is Steve Reich. Beautiful video (and sweater) as always!

[isolamusic]

Came here for just one phase, stayed for I take a bow, Hainbach, so worth watching you doing your magic!

[shansoley]

Never gets old watching you work with tape. Thanks for helping bring back a lot of older methods!

[GrootsieTheDog]

I like phasing melodies/harmonies that are really drawnout and rhythmically less pulsing where there is more space between things and also more space between end and start of loop. There are so mxny wonderful chance happenings and interactions between loops.

[ovalesobliques]

Music as a gradual process. Beautiful !

[wd]

Loop one was unbelievably tight! A testament to your tape editing skills and quality of the Nagras